Panamint Springs Resort sits at the western edge of Death Valley National Park, on the highway between the park and the Owens Valley. It is a small, rustic oasis with a motel-style set of rooms, a restaurant and bar, a campground, a fuel station and a store. The setting is open, high-desert country with big views across the Panamint Valley toward the dunes. It is far from the busy center of the park, which is its charm for visitors who want solitude. As one of the few places to stay on the western approach, it is a practical base for travelers coming from Lone Pine, Mammoth Lakes or the Sierra, and for those exploring the Panamint Valley, Darwin Falls and the western side of the park.
Location
Panamint Springs lies roughly 30 miles west of Stovepipe Wells, and a good deal farther from Furnace Creek. The drive to the park's central sights takes an hour or more, so choose this if your plans center on the west and north, or if you value remoteness. It is a convenient overnight for road-trippers crossing the park between the Sierra and Las Vegas. Darwin Falls, a rare perennial waterfall in the desert, is a short drive away, and the Father Crowley viewpoint offers a striking view over the Rainbow Canyon.
Facilities
Rooms are simple and the resort has an informal, roadside character. The restaurant and bar are a gathering point, and the fuel station is valuable because fuel in the park is scarce. Expect an unpretentious atmosphere and a relaxed pace. Rooms and services can be limited, so check current details and book ahead during busy periods. Mobile signal is patchy, so make arrangements before you arrive.
Who it suits
Road-trippers, campers, photographers and stargazers who like remote places, and visitors who want to see a quieter side of the park. The skies here are very dark, and a walk to the edge of the property gives a clear view of the stars. If you want resort amenities, the Furnace Creek properties are better. If you want a more authentic desert stay, this one is hard to beat.
Practical tip
Fill the tank, bring water, and allow plenty of time for driving, since distances in the park are large. In summer the heat is extreme, so plan carefully and check conditions.
Extra tips
Because the resort is remote, confirm your arrival time and check-in details in advance, and carry extra water and snacks. Mobile signal is limited, so download directions before you go. The nearby Darwin Falls hike is a rare chance to see a perennial stream in the desert, but access involves a rough road, so check conditions first.
Evenings here are very dark and quiet, which makes it one of the best places to see the stars, and in the morning the light on the Panamint Valley and its dunes is a great reward for early risers.
Why stay here
- ✓Remote western park location
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Fuel station on site
- ✓Campground nearby
- ✓Wide Panamint Valley views
- ✓Dark-sky stargazing
- ✓Near Darwin Falls
- ✓Base for the western approach
Good questions
Where is Panamint Springs?+
On the park's western edge, on the highway towards Lone Pine and the Sierra.
Is fuel available?+
Yes, the resort has a fuel station, which is valuable in a park with few options.
Is it good for stargazing?+
Yes, it is remote and very dark.